Sen. Joe Pennacchio’s new bill would make it easier for EMTs and paramedics to get a driver’s license. (NJMVC)

“These are individuals that had to pass a state-administered program in order to obtain their certification,” Senator Pennacchio said. “The MVC already counts certain state-issued documents towards the six-point requirement, so it makes sense that we allow these certification cards to counts as well.”

The legislation, S-2934, requires the MVC to accept EMT and Paramedic certification cards as two points of documentation. An individual must present six points of documentation to obtain a driver’s license, a commercial driver license, a non-driver identification card or power vessel operator’s license.

The MVC accepts a number of state-issued documents as part of the six-point program, including a New Jersey firearm purchaser card (three points), state or local government employee I.D. cards (two points) and state professional licenses (one point).

“It’s important to have a rigorous verification system in order to protect against identity theft and other fraud,” Pennacchio said. “But if someone has gone through all of the steps to get their EMT certification, there’s no reason we shouldn’t make this process easier for them.”